Always Reforming

Tomorrow is Reformation Sunday, with actual Reformation Day following on October 31. I've always

People without much background on the Reformation tend to think, "How funny that Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church door on Halloween." I particularly this Lego Stop Action spoof of it. 

Humor aside, there's a really logical reason for Luther's notice on that particular night. He knew that All Saint's Day, November 1, was a day when people made a particular point of coming to worship and remembering those who had died before them. He knew they'd see his posting, as the door acted as a bulletin board for the community. (This is why, when you see the clip from the Luther movie, there are other posting on the door when he nails the 95Ts.)

A good summary with visuals for what led Luther to post the 95 Theses, why that turned out to be the start of what we now call the Reformation is here. Followed by an amusing claymation of the Pope's reaction. (Note the claymation starts out crazy loud. Adjust volume accordingly.

While all this is helpful to know, what it boils down to is that while Luther wanted open discussion about the things he questioned and wanted reformation within the Catholic church, what he got was excommunication and the start of the Protestant Reformation. Which led to not only Lutheranism, but several other types of protestant denominations, as explained by Chuck Knows Church (listen for the Star Wars references).

So while it's good to know one's history, understand why All Hallow's Eve, and not confuse Martin Luther with Martin Luther King Jr., why care enough to celebrate the Reformation?

For me it's a more than Lutheran pride, a joy of brass instruments belting out A Mighty Fortress, and seeing people where matching colors (red) when it isn't the day of a big sporting event.

I celebrate the Reformation because the church is always reforming. The Holy Spirit continues to be among us, stirring us to read our Bible, use our critical thinking skills, and ask questions. Sometimes, like with Martin Luther, reading the Bible directly lead him to question things that just weren't Biblical (indulgences). Sometimes, like during the slavery in America, reading one's Bible led to question the idea that slavery was really part of God's intended kingdom, even if it was in the Bible, leading to the Underground Railroad and the Anti-Slavery movement.

I see the Spirit at work in the fuller inclusion of gay and lesbian persons and pastors in the life of the ELCA. I also see a lot more work ahead  for the Spirit and for the church in this area.

I also know there's reformation to come that I can't yet imagine but will seem well overdue when it does happen. It may bring upheaval and disruption, but yet I know that the Spirit is not just stirring us up, but present and supporting us as we struggle to make sense of God's word in our ever changing world. In that my faith rests.